Several of the current participants in the SHIPMAN DNA study are estimated by Family Tree Maker DNA to be the very common Western Atlantic Modal haplotype, R-M269. Therefore it is suggested that all SHIPMAN participants use at least the 37 marker or test or higher. Two surnamed SHIPMAN participants tested as J2 haplotype (one of these was only tested at 12 markers). One [37 marker] tested as J2a4b1. According to Family Tree DNA: Haplogroup J2: This lineage originated in the northern portion of the Fertile Crescent where it later spread throughout central Asia, the Mediterranean, and south into India. As with other populations with Mediterranean ancestry this lineage is found within Jewish populations. Haplogroup R1b is the most common haplogroup in European populations. It is believed to have expanded throughout Europe as humans re-colonized after the last glacial maximum 10-12 thousand years ago. This lineage is also the haplogroup containing the Atlantic modal haplotype.